To increase productivity and income for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Tboli, South Cotabato, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over PHP300,000 worth of farm machinery and equipment (FME), an official said Tuesday.

“The package includes a corn sheller with implements, a combine corn mill, two hover brush cutters, and five 2-in-1 knapsack sprayers—all designed to make post-harvest work easier and reduce the need for heavy manual labor,” Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I Marlie Pasal said in a statement.

The recipient of the DAR intervention was the Sitio Sufe Maan Farmers Association Inc. (SSMFAI) in Barangay Maan, Tboli town.

The intervention, handed over to the group on Monday afternoon, is expected to help ARBs increase corn production while reducing labor costs, thereby increasing income and profits.

Farming on about 200 hectares of corn land, the Tboli farmers of SSMFAI can now use modern equipment to make their work faster and more efficient.

Pasal also said that this aid will help make corn farming more efficient, reduce labor, and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods.

The assistance was provided under DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program–Sustainable Livelihood Support for Disaster-Affected Areas (CRFPSP-SLSDAA), which focuses on improving farm productivity and helping farmers adapt to climate-related challenges.

“This equipment is not just about increasing yields—it’s about building resilience. We encourage members to take collective responsibility in maintaining these tools so they can serve the community for years to come,” Pasal said.

Mario Sabugal, SSMFAI chairman, appreciated the DAR intervention.

“I am very happy and deeply thankful to the DAR for providing us with this support. This equipment will make our work easier and help us earn more,” Sabugal said in a radio interview Tuesday.

Pasal said the initiative follows DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III’s directive to do more than land distribution—providing ARBs with tools and support to boost productivity, income, and resilient farming communities. (PNA)